10 Most Challenging Hiking Trails in the United States

Photo by Michael Dorausch

Are you brave enough for these hiking trails?

For nature lovers, backpackers, and those who enjoy new ways of keeping fit and healthy, there is no better activity than hiking. Besides its health benefits and opportunity to spend time in scenic natural environments, hiking is also a relatively inexpensive activity – sometimes only requiring great hiking shoes and a bottle of drinking water.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or an amateur in the sport, it is important to know your surroundings, research, plan ahead, and make sure you are prepared for the terrain you plan to hike. Certain hiking trails are considered tougher than others, and you should plan accordingly.

If you are looking for a more challenging hiking trail, make sure you have the right safety gear and equipment. Here is our list of the most difficult trails in the United States, based on the experiences of those who have attempted the hiking trails in the past. Not only do these trails offer higher elevation, but the thinner air means less oxygen, plus they provide the extra challenges of tough twists and turns which result in some of the toughest trails you’ll encounter.